Walking Tours Offered by the U.S. Capitol Historical Society

Temple of Democracy: History Made Here

Join U.S. Capitol Historical Society staff and trained volunteers for a walking tour of the Capitol Grounds, filled with anecdotes and perspectives about the Congress, the origin and construction of the building itself, and discussions of the broader concepts of democratic government. Learn why it took nearly 40 years to build the original Capitol Building as well as why and how it has been expanded and changed since then. Hear about famous – and infamous – incidents that have taken place inside, crucial turning points in the history of the republic, and how the daily activities in the complex today still shape the way our government – and nation – works. This tour is a different, more historically inclined, experience than those offered by Congressional offices and the Capitol Visitor Center. Named “Best Specialty Tour” by Washingtonian Magazine, this is one experience you won’t want to miss!

Tours are available by reservation only and are offered on weekdays at 5:30 pm March 1st through Memorial Day, 7:00 pm from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and 5:30 pm Labor Day through November 30th. Reservations must be made at least 48 hours in advance, and tours do not cancel under most weather conditions.

The cost is $30 per adult, $15 per child aged 10 to 18, and free for children under 10. USCHS Members receive one complimentary walking tour per year.

Public Transit: Garfield Circle is accessible by Metrorail via the Red Line at Union Station or via the Blue, Orange, and Silver Lines at Federal Center Southwest

Parking: Public Parking is available at Union Station

Olmsted’s Stunning Capitol Landscape

Join U.S. Capitol Historical Society staff and trained volunteers for a special walking tour of the Capitol Grounds focusing on the work of the renowned Frederick Law Olmsted. Learn why the Father of Landscape Architecture was brought-in by the Architect of the Capitol to improve the design of the grounds and how the monumental undertaking took place. Discover the intricacies and see firsthand the beauty of of his careful design, all the while hearing about the incredible life he led from merchant seaman to gentleman farmer to journalist to landscape architect. A local favorite, this is a tour every history and park-lover should take!

Tours are available by reservation only and are offered on weekdays at 5:30 pm March 1st through Memorial Day, 7:00 pm from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and 5:30 pm Labor Day through November 30th. Reservations must be made at least 48 hours in advance, and tours do not cancel under most weather conditions.

The cost is $30 per adult, $15 per child aged 10 to 18, and free for children under 10.

Public Transit:The Library of Congress is accessible by Metrorail via the Red Line at Union Station or via the Blue, Orange, and Silver Lines at Capitol South

Parking:Public Parking is available at Union Station

“Creating Capitol Hill” Book Tour

Join U.S. Capitol Historical Society staff and trained volunteers to see firsthand the neighborhood and historic sites detailed in the Society’s latest publication Creating Capitol Hill: Place, Proprietors, and People. Explore the streets around the Capitol as you learn about the circumstances and compromises that were necessary to create a permanent seat for the federal government. From structures still standing to this day to those long since destroyed, discover how hundreds of acres of wooded farmland became one of the most important communities of our country. Whether you’re a native Washingtonian or just curious about the capital city, this new tour is for you!

Tours are available by reservation only and are offered on weekdays at 5:30 pm March 1st through Memorial Day, 7:00 pm from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and 5:30 pm Labor Day through November 30th. Reservations must be made at least 48 hours in advance, and tours do not cancel under most weather conditions.

The cost is $30 per adult, $15 per child aged 10 to 18, and free for children under 10.

Public Transit:The VFW Building is accessible by Metrorail via the Red Line at Union Station or via the Blue, Orange, and Silver Lines at Capitol South

Parking:Public Parking is available at Union Station

In addition to our exterior walking tours, the U.S. Capitol Historical Society is happy to recommend the following visitor experiences:

Constituent Tours: Many Congressional Offices provide interior Capitol Tours for constituents. These offices may also reserve public tours through the Capitol Visitor Center. You can find and contact your Senators at senate.gov, or your Representative at house.gov.

Public Tours: Public interior tours of the U.S. Capitol are available through the Capitol Visitor Center, which is open Monday through Saturday 8:30am – 4:30pm. Visit their website here for more information and to reserve a tour in advance.

Seeing Congress in Session: Most sessions of Congress are open to the public. Visitors may see the Senate and House of Representatives when they are in session by obtaining Gallery Passes through the offices of their Senators or Representative. You can find and contact your Senators at senate.gov, or your Representative at house.gov.

United States Capitol Historical Society is a nonprofit and nonpartisan educational organization created in 1962 to promote the history of the Capitol and Congress. USCHS serves as an informational and educational resource for its members and the general public.